We've seen a few manufacturers include DLNA support as part of a product's feature set. This little perk allows users to share audio, video and photos across compatible products. Now comes word that a new set of DLNA certification programs could invite more products to the party.
The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) has just announced two new Certification programs designed to make it easier for consumers to share that content -- and across more products, regardless of the manufacturer. These include a consumer Software Certification and Protected Streaming Certification program.
When it comes to the Software Certification, this basically means that the DLNA will start start certifying software that's sold directly to consumers. A homeowner can then buy that software from a retailer, and do their own upgrade at home, adding DLNA into products that didn't previously support that feature.
On the streaming side, the DLNA Protected Streaming Certification program leverages Digital Transmission Content Protection over Internet Protocol (DTCP-IP). That means that consumers can securely share commercial movies on products connected to the consumer's home network. That way, the rights of the movie are preserved, but content can still be shared safely throughout the home.
To date, the Alliance has Certified more than 9,000 TVs, PCs, mobile phones, printers and other products for interoperability.
"We recently forecasted that the number of DLNA Certified device models will rise to nearly one billion products sold in 2014," said Peter King, director of the Connected Home Devices service in the Digital Consumer Practice at Strategy Analytics. "With the addition of the Software Certification and Protected Streaming Certification programs, we expect to see a continued acceleration in the awareness and adoption of DLNA in 2011."
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